About Seventh Grade

Language Arts

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Sentences Conjunctions Subject/Predicate Nouns Personal narrative Writing process Verbs Objects Passive voice Adjectives and adverbs Double negatives Pronouns Opinion essay Prepositions and prepositional phrases Oral presentations	Identify four types of sentences Identify complete subject and complete predicate Use conjunctions to form complex and compound sentences Identify singular, plural and possessive nouns Identify concrete, abstract, common and proper nouns Identify collective and compound nouns Write a personal narrative Identify action, linking and being verbs Use correct verb tense and subject/verb agreement Identify direct and indirect objects Identify and use passive and active voice correctly Identify adjectives and adverbs Use adjectives and adverbs to compare and contrast nouns Avoid the use of double negatives in individual writing Identify different types of pronouns and their uses Elaborate the central idea in an organized manner with supporting details and examples Proofread consistently Use prewriting strategies Identify interrogative pronouns Write an opinion essay Distinguish between fact and opinion Identify prepositional phrases used as adjectives or adverbs Identify misplaced prepositional phrases and place them correctly Match communication tool to audience

Reading

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Summer novel analysis Historical fiction Multicultural fiction Realistic fiction Guided reading Narrative story poems Independent reading workshop Biographies Short stories Science fiction	Participate in small group reading Participate in guided reading Participate in the Accelerated Reader program Read independently Read with increasing fluency Read for pleasure Read to learn Explain how plot contributes to an effective story Identify techniques an author uses to create plot Explain how characters’ interactions contribute to an effective plot Explain how setting contributes to an effective story Compare the fictional representation of a time period with knowledge of the actual time period Compare and contrast historical fiction novels Track the development of a character in a realistic fictional story Change an element of a story to demonstrate its contribution to the original story Identify the various forms of poetical narration Write a narrative poem Maintain a reading journal Describe the theme of a realistic fiction book Identify the source, viewpoint and purpose of a novel Use knowledge of textual structures and words to aid comprehension Identify the source, viewpoint and purpose of text Prepare a presentation Describe the setting of a play using descriptive details and examples Describe the characters in a play using descriptive details and examples Identify the point of view of a play Recognize the unique elements of a short story Elaborate the central idea with descriptive details and examples Analyze character, setting and author’s message Summarize plot Recognize figurative language

Mathematics

Students take one of the following courses. Placement is determined by inventory testing, ERB scores, and teacher recommendations. (Algebra I is a high school credit).

Pre-Algebra

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Numbers, number sense, patterns and functions Algebraic expressions Integer and rational number operations and applications Terminology Properties of variable equations and inequalities Strategies to solve variable equations and inequalities Negative number operations and applications Operations with matrices Variable factors and multiples Real number system Monomial terms and operations LCM, GCF and prime factorization Operations and problem solving with decimals, fractions and percents Variable equations with decimals and fractions Number equivalence Real number inequalities and graphing Geometric and arithmetic sequences Exponents including scientific notation and prime factorization Multi-step equations Rates, ratios, proportions, and percents Simple and complex probabilities Factorials, permutations and combinations Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode and range Variance and standard deviation Stem and leaf plots, scatter plots, box and whisker plots Area and perimeter of regular and irregular polygons Vertices, edges and planes Complex characteristics of triangle and quadrilaterals Pythagorean theorem and its applications Congruence and similarity Transformations and tessellations Surface area and volumes Operations with polynomials Like terms with polynomials Slope and intercept of a linear equation	Solve algebraic expressions using order of operations Correctly use variables in expressions and equations Understand coordinate plane Solve operations with rational numbers Solve multi-step variable equations and inequalities Understand negative numbers and their operations and applications Set up and solve matrix problems with all operations Find algebraic factors and multiples such as GCF and LCM Solve operations involving monomials Classify numbers Solve variable problems with decimals, fractions and percents Convert and compare numbers in different forms Apply decimal, fraction and percents to problem solving situations Find solutions to real number variable inequalities and graph the solutions on a number line Describe and complete geometric and arithmetic sequences Write numbers in exponential and scientific notation form Find the solution to multi-step equations using algebraic strategies Write rates, ratios, proportions, percents, and percent equations and solve problems with these concepts Find equivalence with decimals, fractions and percents Find probability of simple and complex events Solve permutation and combination problems Find measures of central tendency using algebra Create, analyze and determine the proper graphical display Identify area and perimeter of multiple shapes using variable notation and formulas Identify characteristics of figures by angles, lines and planes Identify complex characteristics of triangles and quadrilaterals Solve right triangle problems using Pythagorean Theorem Identify and solve geometric problems involving transformations, area and volume Identify a function and relation and solve function problems Solve problems with radicals and exponents Simplify polynomial functions and identify like terms Find the slope and intercepts of a line Graph a function

Algebra I

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Algebraic equations and expressions Rates, ratios, proportions and similar figures Variable percent equations Probabilities of compound events Counting methods including permutations and combinations Graphing data, functions, rules Direct and Inverse variations Patterns and sequences Rate of change and slope Scatter plots and lines of best fit Zero and negative exponents Scientific notation Finding, estimating and simplifying radicals and exponents Pythagorean theorem Distance and Midpoint formulas Multiplication and division properties of exponents Geometric and arithmetic sequences Polynomials and factoring Quadratic equations Functions Simplifying rational expressions Inequalities Rational expressions and equations Operations with rational expressions. Rational proportions	Solve order of operation problems with variables Explore and solve equations and expressions Solve real world variable equations Solve formula problems Find rates, ratios and proportions using variable equations Find missing measures of similar figures using variables Write and solve percent equations Find probabilities of multiple events and use strategies to find permutations and combinations Interpret, analyze and graph functions and relations Write a function rule Interpret and solve inverse and direct variation problems Use inductive and deductive reasoning Graph linear equations Determine the relationship of lines based on their slopes Write an equation of best fit based on a scatter plot and predictions Find square roots Simplify radicals Understand and apply the Pythagorean theorem, distance formula and mid point formula Understand the effect of multiplication and division on powers Understand and apply geometric and arithmetic sequences Describe and simplify polynomial expressions Use different methods to multiply polynomials Use factoring to solve polynomial equations Analyze quadratic functions using different methods and determine the effect of different parameters Analyze quadratic equations using graphs and x and y intercepts Solve quadratics using factoring and the Quadratic equation and completing the square Simplify rational expressions using like terms and factoring Solve real world applications Understand relative sizes of real numbers by solving inequalities Graph one variable and two variable inequalities Solve one variable and two variable inequalities Solve and graph multi-step inequalities with one or two variables Graph and solve absolute value equations and inequalities Analyze systems using slope Solve systems of equations using graphing, substitution, elimination and multiplication with elimination Solve system of equation inequalities using graphing Analyze rational expressions and equations by graphing Determine different types of functions Understand and explain the process of solving rational equations and simplifying rational expressions Solve radical equations

Science

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Teva project Scientific method Cell theory Microscopes Viruses Photosynthesis and respiration Genetics Classification Organisms Protists Fungi Invertebrates and vertebrates Arthropods and echinoderms Birds and mammals Biosphere and ecology Vernal pond ecosystem	Observe through inquiry Compare and contrast Infer from observable data Apply scientific concepts to everyday life Demonstrate how to correctly use a microscope Explain cell theory Explain how cells reproduce Compare and contrast animal and plant cells Identify organic and inorganic compounds Contrast photosynthesis and respiration Define genetics Explain the importance of Gregor Mendel Explain how living things are classified Describe the characteristics of bacterial cells Describe the characteristics of plants Explain the process of gas exchange in plants Explain how animals are classified Describe the features of mollusks, worms, arthropods, echinoderms, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals Compare and contrast ecosystems Explain what a biosphere is Explain how habitats and niches affect organisms living there Describe the flow of energy through ecosystems Describe the flow of energy through the vernal pond system

Social Studies

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Geography The beginnings of human society Fertile Crescent Ancient Egypt and Nubia Ancient India Ancient China Ancient Greece Ancient Rome	Identify and define the five themes of geography Explain how the Earth’s movement causes night and day, as well as seasons Compare maps and globes as representations of the Earth Describe distortions of map projections Identify and use parts of a map Define and compare landforms, climate regions, and natural vegetation regions Describe how archaeologists use clues to learn about prehistoric people Explain how geography affects civilizations Describe how humans lived during the Old Stone Age Summarize how the development of farming changed the way people lived Explain how early farming villages grew into cities Summarize the role of trade in the development of civilizations Explain the role of geographic features in the growth of cities Explore how empires formed in Mesopotamia Compare and contrast the Assyrian and Babylonian cultures Describe the effects of trade and conquest on ancient cultures Identify key points of Hammurabi’s Code Explain the importance of writing in Mesopotamia Describe how Mesopotamians kept records Summarize how pharaohs unified their country Explain the power the pharaohs had as political and religious leaders Describe the importance of religion and the afterlife to ancient Egyptians Appreciate Egypt’s achievements in writing, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine Describe the relationship between Egypt and Nubia Compare and contrast the two civilizations Describe the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro and its culture Describe the development of Hinduism from ancient times Identify the basic beliefs and duties of Hindus Summarize the main principles of Buddhism Reconstruct the development of Buddhism in ancient India and its spread to other countries Identify emperors Chandragupta and Asoka, and explain their roles in the Mauryan empire Summarize how the structure of families influenced the development of Chinese society Explain the role of Confucianism in Chinese society Describe how Shi Huangdi unified China Explain the effect Shi Huangdi had on Chinese culture Summarize the reasons for the long reign of the Han dynasty Describe how Confucianism strengthened the Han dynasty’s rule Explain the significance of Greek myths Identify different forms of government that developed in Greek city-states Describe important Greek contributions to art, architecture, and drama Outline the development of Greek religion and philosophy Explain the roles of Pericles and Socrates Compare and contrast life in Athens and Sparta Explain the significance of the Greek victory over the Persians Summarize the reasons for the conflict between Athens and Sparta, and for Athens’s defeat Describe the achievements of Alexander the Great Explain how Alexander’s conquests spread Greek culture Describe Hellenistic achievements in architecture, mathematics, and science Describe Roman government during the Republic Identify the consequences of expansion on economic and social conditions in Rome Explain how Rome acquired and ruled its empire Describe achievements made during the reign of the ‘five good emperors’ Explain the influence Green culture had on Rome Describe aspects of the daily life of the rich, the poor, and the slaves in ancient Rome Explain the status of women in Roman society Identify the basic principles of Jesus’ teachings Describe how Christianity spread to various areas of the Roman Empire Explain how the Roman government viewed the rise of Christianity Summarize the problems that led up to the decline of the Roman Empire Describe how Rome fell to invaders

NETA is an innovative curriculum initiative in Hebrew language and culture, designed for day school students in grades 6-12. Created by Hebrew language curriculum specialists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, administered by Boston’s Hebrew College, and supported by the AVI CHAI Foundation, the NETA project is driven by the belief that mastery of Hebrew will promote students’ understanding of their history, culture and tradition, excite them about lifelong Jewish learning, foster a sense of belonging to the Jewish people, and cultivate strong ties with Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel) and Am Yisrael (the Jewish people).

NETA focuses on the four major language-acquisition skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — by immersing students in everything from classical Hebrew texts to Israeli music, and from historical documents to poetry and drama. The curriculum is sequential and based on a structured linguistic progression. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture, and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy.

During the middle school years, students move through the NETA program at a pace that is comfortable for them in multiple groups.

Through this curriculum students will

Be able to introduce themselves
Describe their rooms, homes, neighborhoods
Ask questions
Use masculine and feminine forms of words
Describe Jewish symbols
Use multiple forms of adjectives
Describe everyday items orally and in writing
Write advertisements for popular products
Count
Contrast happy experience with unhappy experiences
Converse about time
Describe preferences in music, food, songs, books, etc.
Conduct a survey about food preferences
Analyze passages written in Hebrew
Conduct interviews

Kodesh — Mishnah

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Rambam’s ladder of Tzedakah Study of different Midrashim from the Torah Exodus and Pesach Denominations	Explain what it means to be a righteous person Explain how Judaism defines righteousness Describe what course of action we can take to make the world a more just place Explain what a Midrash is Show how a Midrash interprets questions from the Torah text Contrast natural and supernatural Midrashim Summarize the laws of Pesach according to the Torah Explain how Rabbis add to these laws in the Mishnah Retell the history of certain aspects of the seder Explain the spiritual values behind these customs Describe the four different Jewish denominations and how these developed Explain how these denominations form and shape our lives

Kodesh — Tanach

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Shmuel Shoftim Zacharia Story of Chana and her sons Joshua Ezekiel Basic tenets of Kabbalah Eliyahu	Explore the relationship between Israelites and God. Describe the themes of Haftorot Explain their connections to the Chaggim Retell the story of Joshua Explain the significance of the term Hazak v’Emetz in the story Consider the meaning of courage Interpret the vision from the first chapter of Ezekiel Explain how this serves as the basis for Kabbalah Demonstrate ability to translate text Explain the idea of prophecy Compare personal vision with famous artistic interpretations Create soundtrack using Soundsnap/Audacity Mixing audio Describe how Eliahu is represented in Tanach Explain his connection with the Messiah Explain his connections to the natural elements

Jewish History

Topics	Milestones in Learning
The four sects of Judaism Roman occupation Herod, Titus Yochanan Ben Zakkai Fall of Masada Comparative religions Islam and the Muslim Empire Jewish heroes of Spain Spanish Inquisition Jews in Christian Europe Roots of anti-semitism	Understand the life and times of the second temple Explain the creation of Oral tradition and law Understand the impact of this turbulent time in Jewish History on our lives today Relate important facts about Jesus and Christianity Describe important events leading to the development of the Christian religion Explain why Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah Discuss events surrounding Jesus’ execution and explain why some people blamed the Jews for his death Differentiate between anti-Semitic propaganda and mainstream Christian scholarship on the responsibility of the Jews regarding the death of Jesus List events leading to the development of Islam as a religion Relate important facts about Muslim beliefs and practices Discuss Jewish life under Muslim rule in various times and places Explain some of the discrepancy in beliefs among Muslims and how this affects Muslim-Jewish relations today Use historical documents to research life in Spain.

Spanish I

Spanish I is offered over a two-year period. This is a high-school credit.

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Spanish alphabet Geographic overview of Spanish-speaking countries Spanish calendar and time Basic arithmetic in Spanish Leisure time activities Class inventory Common foods Geographical, political and cultural aspects of selected Spanish-speaking countries Clothing Weather The city's common places and transportation My family and my home	Explain why it is important to study Spanish Explain differences between the Spanish and English alphabets Identify where Spanish is spoken Demonstrate how to greet someone and introduce yourself in Spanish Tell the date and time in Spanish Count in Spanish Express likes and dislikes, agreement or disagreement Express preferences Use singular and plurals appropriately Describe other people and self Retell facts about Spanish speaking countries Ask directions in Spanish Share information about families Share information about homes

Electives

Boot Camp
Two-Dimensional Art
Student Newspaper
Band
MathCounts Club
Cooking
Resistance Training
Crafts
Three-Dimensional Art
Odyssey of the Mind
Peer Mediation
Theater
Art with Heart
Environmental Science
Cross Country

Physical Education and Health

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Effects of diet and exercise on body systems Offensive and defensive strategies Rules of fair play Gross motor movement Consumer nutritional information Depression Party etiquette Alcohol abuse	Explain short-term and long-term benefits of physical fitness Demonstrate good sportsmanship Explain how our bodies change as we age Explain how to reduce the risks of chronic disease Monitor changes in their own fitness levels Set personal goals for Presidential Physical Fitness testing Interpret and contrast resting and active heart rates Describe the signs of depression Discuss appropriate behavior at peer gatherings Explain the meaning of addiction Relate important facts about alcohol abuse Explain the effects of alcoholic substances on the human body Explain the meaning of peer pressure Strategize for resisting peer pressure Demonstrate self-advocacy

Computer Education

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Rules and expectations for computer lab Review parts of the computer Microsoft Publisher Internet terminology, safety, and navigation Keyboarding — review Gesher Green and Bring it back from Teva project Computer simulation software — Alice software HTML	Demonstrate proficiency in use of the Microsoft software taught Demonstrate proficiency in WordArt Explain tech lab rules Correctly use internet terminology Show progress in keyboarding using Typing Pal Bring it back from Teva project Create Gesher Green brochure using Publisher Demonstrate proficiency in use of Alice software Demonstrate proficiency in use of HTML for creating websites

Library

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Research Free reading Independent reading Accelerated reading Biography Literary genres	Use diverse sources of information for research Determine if a source contains needed information Develop searches for SIRS Discoverer using different search strategies Take effective notes Listen to book talks Select appropriate books for free or independent reading Examine books to determine if they will be enjoyable and appropriate Set realistic Accelerated Reader goals Take research notes Combine information from several sources for a project Determine if a source contains needed information

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About Seventh Grade

Language Arts

Reading

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra

Algebra I

Science

Social Studies

Hebrew

Kodesh — Mishnah

Kodesh — Tanach

Jewish History

Spanish I

Electives

Physical Education and Health

Computer Education

Library

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